UN Security Council discusses Syria as Secretary-General prepares for visit

The UN Security Council convened on Tuesday to review the situation in Syria, highlighting the establishment of a new People's Assembly and the Supreme Constitutional Court as institutional milestones. Despite these political developments, UN officials noted that 15.6 million people, nearly two-thirds of the population, still require humanitarian aid, with 5.5 million internally displaced. Member states expressed concern over regional instability, including reports of Israeli military actions and proposed multinational oil pipelines intended to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Greek Ambassador Aglaia Balta emphasized that the new assembly must reflect social diversity and address the critical issue of missing persons to foster national reconciliation. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced his first official visit to Damascus later this week at the invitation of the Syrian government. During his trip, Guterres is scheduled to meet with President Ahmed al-Sara and Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani to discuss political transition, reconstruction, and sovereignty. He also plans to visit the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and consult with civil society representatives.